Eight OK’d for zoning board

Thursday

Dec 27, 2012 at 6:00 AMDec 28, 2012 at 12:00 AM

By Michael Kane BANNER EDITOR

West Boylston has a Zoning Board of Appeals.

The Board of Selectmen last week appointed eight interested residents to five regular seats and three associate seats on the board that had disbanded in late October and early November at the request of selectmen. The terms are staggered, from two to five years, to ensure continuity as future new members are appointed to the normally five-year positions.

At least two of the eight applicants, Charles Witkus and Paul Hennessey, are former members of the board.

Witkus was among the most recent board members who resigned at selectmen’s request in October. Witkus said he reapplied for the position to help the town get a new zoning board started. He pointing out that, traditionally, the board had a hard time attracting members.

“I thought you would have a hard time getting people,” he said, adding with a laugh, “Nobody wants to go there because all you do is make enemies.”

Hennessey said he had left in April after nine years due to a conflict that arose with his job when zoning board meetings changed from Tuesdays to Thursdays. He is hoping the new board will move the meetings back to a time when he can attend.

He had served during what he described as a “tumultuous time,” when several 40B projects – affordable housing projects that may bypass certain zoning restrictions – were brought forward.

“I feel with nine years experience, I have something to contribute to the board and new members … and help them get through this period,” Hennessey said.

Hennessey received high praise from Selectman John O’Brien, who served as an alternate Zoning Board of Appeals member while Hennessey was also on the board.

“He was always very knowledgeable,” O’Brien said. “He taught me a lot. He was always well-prepared for all of our meetings.”

Witkus had no preference for full-time or associate membership, which Selectmen Kevin McCormick noted is something of a misnomer, since they attend most of the meetings. Some zoning board decisions require a super majority of four members. The alternate members are expected to sit in on meetings and hearings to listen to testimony in case a problem arises and a regular member cannot vote.

Since he served most recently, the board voted Witkus to a full-time position, but a two-year term, so he can choose not to reapply in 2014.

Hennessy was appointed as an associate member, as he requested, for a term to end in 2016.

Other members appointed are:

•Jon Meindersma, to a full-time term expiring in 2017.

Meindersma is an attorney who has zoning experience through his past employment. He is currently a civil litigator, with cases across the state.

“I want to be able to contribute to the town,” he said. “I’ve been the recipient … The town has a need in an area I have experience in, this is a chance for me to do my part.

Meindersma may also be recognized by some. Last year, he served as the acting town moderator when David Sweetman was unable to attend town meeting.

•John Benson, to a full-time position expiring in 2016.

Benson is also a lawyer dealing with state and local regulations. He is new to town, but plans on raising his family here.

“This will allow me to be active in the community and allow me to help the long-term well-being of the town,” he said.

•Francis Cahill, to a full-time position expiring in 2016.

Cahill cited his 45 years of experience in the construction business. He most recently owned his own security company. He had no issue with time constraints, which made him a favorite for a full-time seat.

•David Femia, to an associate position expiring in 2015.

Femia said he has lived in West Boylston for 10 years, but previously was a member of town government in Wareham.

“I think it is time to give back to the community, and this is a good start,” he said. “I’m here for the duration. I don’t plan on leaving the town any time soon.”

•Aaron Goodale III, to an associate membership expiring in 2014.

Goodale was one of two applicants who could not attend last week’s meeting. However, he is well known in town as a former member of town boards and the Fire Department. He is currently on the Historical Society, the Historical Commission and the Board of Cemetery Trustees.

Since Goodale applied for “the shortest term possible” as a way of helping the town get a board in place quickly, he was appointed to the shortest available term.

•Kristina Pedone, to a full-time position expiring in 2014.

Pedone also could not attend the meeting, but she is known to McCormick. Her husband James won a seat on the School Committee last year, and the couple has children in the school district, McCormick said.

“They’re not going anywhere, and she is a very reasonable young lady,” McCormick said.

At the expiration of these terms, subsequent appointments will be for five years.

Selectmen requested that town counsel give the board a presentation on running meetings. Town Administrator Leon Gaumond Jr. said he also expects counsel to attend the first meeting of the board.

The board needs to get to work quickly. There are applications that, by law, need to be responded to in a certain amount of time.

Applications to a Zoning Board of Appeals are time sensitive, with varying requirements depending on the application. Variances and special permits require a public hearing within 65 days of the filing. Requests not addressed by a Zoning Board can move forward without approval.

On Nov. 14, Ho Wire Company, 215 Shrewsbury Street, filed an application for a special permit. The applicant is seeking a change of use for a space now used as a storage warehouse to be used for automobile detailing and small auto body work.

On Dec. 7, the Cemetery Commission filed an application seeking a variance to build a fence at Mount Vernon Cemetery.